Bill > SB2704

This bill establishes a three-year "Subsistence-Plus Gardening Pilot Program" within the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity to promote local food production and food security. The program will identify small plots of land, up to two acres, suitable for gardening and make them available to community-based farm clubs, which are groups that have shown commitment to gardening in their areas. These clubs will be encouraged to plant and harvest priority crops, including traditional Hawaiian canoe crops, to enhance the state's food sovereignty, meaning the right of peoples to healthy and culturally appropriate food produced through sustainable methods. The program will also support community food production hubs, which are central locations for food processing and distribution. The Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity is required to report its findings and any legislative recommendations to the Legislature before the start of the 2029 regular session, and funds are appropriated for the program's operation, with the entire act taking effect on July 1, 2050.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Budget and Finance

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=2704&year=2026